Flow control apparatus

Abstract

The invention is a flow controller attachable to a water supply. The controller has a body with inlet and outlet connections and a control element positioned between the inlet and outlet. The controller has an actuator extending from the control element that permits selection of three different settings. The first setting aligns a set of openings in the control element with the inlet and outlet of the body permitting unimpeded full flow of water. A second setting aligns another set of openings, which form a weep hole, in the control element to substantially impede flow from the inlet to the outlet. A third setting aligns a third set of openings in the control element with a flow control device, to partially impede flow from the inlet to the outlet, creating a low flow.

1. A flow-controller for three-way adjustment of flow thru a showerhead comprising;
 a body with an inlet connection to a water supply and an outlet connection to a showerhead; 
 a circumferential bore in the body in fluid contact with the water inlet and outlet connections; 
 a control element in close mating, but rotatable, relationship with the bore in the body; sealing means between the control element and bore in the body wherein the control element includes multiple longitudinal passages therethrough comprising;
 a first passage having a diameter of sufficient size to permit substantially full flow of water reaching the inlet connection of the body to flow through the control element and reach the outlet connection, 
 a second passage having a sufficiently narrow diameter to substantially restrict water flow thru the control element to a small dripping flow that mimics weeping, 
 a third passage including a flexible flow restrictor therein, and 
 
 a lever attached to the control element to rotate it within the body to respectively align one of the fist, second or third passages with the inlet and outlet connections of the body and thereby control flow through the body to one of three amounts according to the alignment of the particular passage. 
 
   
   
     2. The flow controller of  claim 1  wherein the third passage includes a recessed seat to facilitate placement of the flexible flow restrictor therein. 
   
   
     3. The flow controller of  claim 1  wherein the flow restrictor includes an O-ring therein to facilitate control of flow through the flow restrictor. 
   
   
     4. The flow controller of  claim 1  wherein a bather can select any of the three passages to control or essentially stop the flow of water through the showerhead as needed during various stages of bathing. 
   
   
     5. The flow controller of  claim 4  wherein the second passage is selected by a bather while lathering to save water. 
   
   
     6. The flow controller of  claim 4  wherein the bather selects multiple passages in the flow controller while bathing. 
   
   
     7. The flow controller of  claim 1  wherein a lever attached to the control element extends beyond the body to facilitate movement thereof by a bather.